Gamertell Review: Konnet’s PS3, Xbox 360 hybrid Power Pyramid

Product: Power Pyramid (aka PS3/Xbox 360 Power Pyramid)
Price: $49.99 ($54.99 for Supreme Version)
Rating: One thumb up, one thumb sideways; 80/100; B-; * * * out of five.
Pros: Will simultaneously charge two PS3 and two Xbox 360 wireless controllers. LED indicators are fairly straightforward and you can leave your controllers ported for along time.
Cons: Cannot charge all non-standard Xbox 360 batteries (does not explain which it will and will not recharge) and may only appeal to gamers with both consoles. If you do not plan to keep this out, it’s a bit bulky to store.
Overall: You can get this is a few formats (PS3 only, Xbox 360 only or PS3 and Xbox 360 combined) and the design may be OK for some to keep on their TV stand (depending on display height and cabinet size). It is very useful but it may be a bit too bulky, pricey and specific for a lot gamers.

Wireless controllers constantly need to be recharged. Play a lot of games and you find yourself buying multiple controller or multiple battery packs to charge. Let them sit in a drawer for a few weeks and they lose charge faster than their of-the-shelf-non-rechargeable counterparts. And, if you own more than one system, the issue is simply compounded.

Konnet came up with a clever solution in its Power Pyramid recharger. You can get a pyramid-shaped charger to replenish either four PS3 controllers our Xbox 360 controllers or – get this – a pair of both at the same time. And it looks pretty wacky when controllers are docked.

Nice Pairs

The Power Pyramid is essentially a dock-based battery charger shaped like a pyramid that will recharge wireless game controllers. The particular model I tried charges four controllers – two PS3 and two Xbox 360 wireless controllers – at the same time.

The center of the device forms a basic triangle so, when there is a controller in each port (PS3 on top and Xbox 360 on the bottom), it looks a bit like the profile of a pyramid. Or a strange Christmas tree. All of the ports plug right into the appropriate controller with a small, clean plastic shelf underneath so the controllers appears suspended from the side of the center of the charger.

At each clean shelf area there is also an indicator LED that will glow either red or blue to demonstrate whether or not the charge is complete (blue) or not (red).

To charge the controllers you connect a power plug fro the charger to a standard wall outlet and simply plug a wireless game controller into one fo the appropriate ports.

All Charged Up

This charger has a few things going for it with a couple annoyances.

First, it charges quite well and is rather speedy. Both the PS3 an Xbox 360 controller charging seemed to be a little speedier than most other external chargers.

Also, it has a rather impressive design, at least when you first see it loaded with controllers. The black finish (white if you get the Deluxe model) will easily blend in with most modern black-bordered TVs and dark-stained cabinets. The pyramid design and suspended controllers will certainly impress onlookers (at least at first glance).

The plastic design keeps it light but feeling a little cheap and seems to be a dust magnet. Konnet wisely designed the clear mini shelves so the controllers had a secure fit, reinforcing its strength and eliminating that chintzy feel.

As for annoyances, the biggest was with the batteries it would charge (or not charge). No where does it state that this only works with standard Xbox 360 rechargeable batteries. I have several non-Microsoft Xbox 360 controllers and this only worked when a Microsoft rechargeable battery was inserted (so, to be clean, you can charge unofficial controllers as long as they have official batteries inside). So you can pretty much forge this with your Halo controller. Luckily, I had purchased a pair of the official battery packs when they were on sale at Buy.com June 2010. Even with those, however, I had to make certain the battery was very secure int he controller and the cnotroller was docked just right or I get a dreaded blinking charge light.

Also, it’s a minor point but if you do not plan to keep this potential dust collector on your TV stand or displayed on a nice shelf near an outlet (because those are just so abundant), then plan to have plenty of room to store the Power Pyramid. The box is the basic size thanks to the wide base. At least you can wrap the power cord around it with relative ease.

Pyramid Scheme?

Being a critic I happen to have several game systems, which makes this charger especially convenient for me. I rarely need to charge more than one or two controllers at a time and this means I can switch between my PS3 and Xbox 360 each day without hunting for another charger. If you do not own both, you’d certainly want to stick with the system appropriate Power Pyramid.

The inability to charge unofficial Xbox 360 batteries is a bit of a sticking point for me considering so many gamers opt to buy better or less expensive controllers. Also, because you cannot charge a battery without the controller, that means you’ll be down a controller or two while the batteries charge. The bulk is really only an annoyance if you like empty shelves.

Ultimately, it’s a rather impressive charger that is a little expensive but you’ll get what pay for, especially if you frequently switch systems.

Site [Power Pyramid] Photo Gallery [Power Pyramid Photos @ Gamertell]